On Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2023, Wissahickon seniors Caroline Kirkpatrick & Sophia Havrilla were recognized for committing to continue their field hockey careers at the collegiate level.
Sophia Havrilla – Central Michigan University (Field Hockey)
Major: Marketing/Sales
Final list of colleges: Central Michigan, Lehigh, Lafayette, University of New Hampshire, Fairfield
Reasons for choosing Central Michigan: “I chose Central Michigan because I loved the campus atmosphere as well as the team chemistry on and off the field. Also, I wanted to have the opportunity to play with my sister again.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in field hockey at the collegiate level? “Ever since I was a little girl, I always knew I wanted to play field hockey in college. When I was six years old, I started playing for an intramural league, and at age 11, I decided to play club. I picked up the sport very easily. Not only that, but I loved the relationships and friendships I built along the way.
“I started my recruiting process my sophomore year of high school, and on June 15 entering my junior year, I started getting emails from coaches. On May 8, 2022, I verbally committed to Central Michigan and am so happy I did. There is nowhere else I could imagine myself going.”
Coach Lucy Gil says: “Sophia is going to Central Michigan, which is where her sister is as well. They play off each other really, really well, and I’m so happy to see them together again. Sophia has great stick skills. She has a great shot, but more than that, her passes were super accurate. She was my center midfielder two years in a row because she could get the ball to whoever it needed to go to. She’s really precise in her passing. She knows when to pass and when to hold. She’s very good as a central person you want handling the ball. She’s your consummate player – she has everything going for her. I’m glad she’s going D1, I’m glad she’s going to be with her sister, and it’s a good and upcoming team.”
About Sophia:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite movie: Step Brothers
Favorite artist: Taylor Swift
Caroline Kirkpatrick – Dickinson College (Field Hockey)
Major: Undecided
Reasons for choosing Dickinson: “I chose Dickinson for many reasons. The balance of a Division 3 sport and a rigorous STEM program was the perfect fit for me. The school has fantastic abroad programs, classes and professors. Dickinson focuses on the environment, giving back, and career connections. It was not only the academic opportunities that drew me to choose Dickinson but the team and coaches. The team was welcoming, genuine, hardworking and supportive from my first visit to campus. The school made me feel welcomed and was a community I was eager to be a part of.
What was the progression that led you to competing in field hockey at the collegiate level? “I started the recruitment process freshman year – both my coaches and parents talked to me about the opportunity I had to be a collegiate athlete, and I quickly realized it was something I wanted to pursue. By the time I got to my junior year, I had narrowed down my list of colleges that fit the size, academics, division and area of study.
“I visited Dickinson during the summer of my junior year and by chance was able to meet the head coach. During the meeting, I had the chance to tour the facility, hear about their team philosophy and understand the goals of the team. As the year progressed, I was invited to meet the entire coaching staff, talk to players, participate in an overnight and attend their field hockey clinics. Because of these experiences and conversations, I was able to confidently make my decision when offered a spot on the roster.”
Coach Lucy Gil says: “Caroline is a really, really great defenseman. She was my center back, and the year before she was my left midfielder. She was really good at that as well, but I needed her to take a more managerial role almost. We had a really, really young defense because half of our defense graduated the year before, and I needed her to take over. We had two brand new goalkeepers, and she directed traffic back there. She really helped with the younger players, and she’s a great leader in a very soft way. She has a way of getting kids riled up but not by yelling at them or anything like that. She’s a very kind and generous person, and it shows on the field. She’ll do anything for the team.”
About Caroline:
Favorite food: Strawberries
Favorite movie: Tangled
Favorite artist: Taylor Swift
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